What does "cult" mean?
The veneration, devotion, and religious rites given to a deity (especially in a historical polytheistic context), or (in a Christian context) to a saint; a subset of worship.
Cult
/kʌlt/ adj, noun, slang
adj, noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The veneration, devotion, and religious rites given to a deity (especially in a historical polytheistic context), or (in a Christian context) to a saint; a subset of worship.
- Grammar: cult is listed as adj, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: adoration, adoration, articles of religion, catechism.
- Useful contrasts: apathy, disbelief, disinterest.
- Usage evidence: That religious cult has got some pretty off the wall ideas.
How to use "cult"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cult" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cult" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "cult" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cult" is acting as adj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adoration" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "cult", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The veneration, devotion, and religious rites given to a deity (especially in a historical polytheistic context), or (in a Christian context) to a saint; a subset of worship.
"imperial cult"
- 2 an interest followed with exaggerated zeal wordnet
- 3 A group of people having an obsession with or intense admiration for a particular activity, idea, person or thing. informal
"the heavy metal cult"
- 4 a system of religious beliefs and rituals wordnet
- 5 A group, sect or movement following an unorthodox religious or philosophical system of beliefs, especially one in which members remove and exclude themselves from greater society, including family members not part of the cult, and show extreme devotion to a charismatic leader. derogatory
"Two former cult members explain the difficulties they had extricating themselves from it."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 a religion or sect that is generally considered to be unorthodox, extremist, or false wordnet
- 7 followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader wordnet
- 8 followers of an exclusive system of beliefs and practices wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to a cult. not-comparable
- 2 Enjoyed by a small, loyal group. not-comparable
"a cult horror movie"
- 3 Alternative form of kvlt. alt-of, alternative, neologism, not-comparable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"That religious cult has got some pretty off the wall ideas."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cult"?
Common synonyms include: adoration, adoration, articles of religion, catechism, celebration, ceremonialism.
How do you use "cult" in a sentence?
That religious cult has got some pretty off the wall ideas.
How do you pronounce "cult"?
Pronounced /kʌlt/.
Etymology
Derived from French culte, from Latin cultus (“care, adoration; cult”), from colō (“cultivate; protect”).